SALISBURY, N.C. — The Salisbury police chief's last day is Dec. 31, but he'll continue to take home his current salary after that date.
City leaders in Salisbury said he could make more than $48,000 through June 2016.
Salisbury police Chief Rory Collins, who just announced his decision to retire, will continue to draw paychecks from the city even after he steps down.
A statement said Collins "will serve in an advisory capacity through the end of the fiscal year." During this time period, or until the retirement system approves his retirement, he will continue to draw his regular salary."
Which is $98,000 a year.
"I don't think that's necessary, and I don't think that will benefit the new leadership nor the community," Kenny Hardin said.
Hardin is a newly-elected council member and said he and neighbors just learned of the plan.
"I received seven to eight messages between last night and this morning," Hardin said.
He said many of those people are frustrated with recent gang problems and multiple unsolved murder cases.
They were hoping for a new beginning with newly named interim Chief Brian Stallings.
Stallings is starting his position on Jan. 1 and will make a salary of $80,000 per year until a new chief is named.
“They were happy with the new chief, and they hoped it signaled a new start and a fresh start," Hardin said.
Some residents told Channel 9 they understand the desire to keep Collins around.
"I would think he needs to advise. He knows something that could help the next person going up," resident Bernard Shankle said.
But others say his advice shouldn't come with a price tag.